Report of Findings and Recommendations on the Use and Management of Asbestos

February 10, 2003

Global Environment & Technology Foundation
7010 Little River Turnpike, Suite 460, Annandale, Virginia 22003

DRAFT REPORT OF FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE USE AND MANAGEMENT OF ASBESTOS

February 10, 2003

Section 2.0:
INTRODUCTION

2.1 Project Purpose

The purpose of the Asbestos Strategies project was to take stock of the recent experience with potential solutions and options regarding the use and management of asbestos. The first major objective was to offer recommendations and options on effective asbestos oversight, outreach and education approaches. The second major objective was to provide an opportunity for key stakeholders to share their knowledge on barriers, incentives, lessons learned, and best practices as they relate to asbestos use and management.

2.2 Overview of the Process

Throughout 2002, GETF engaged more than 100 technical and policy experts and other key stakeholders from government, academia and the private sector with knowledge and interest in the use and management of asbestos.

A cross-sector focus group was convened on October 10, 2002 with fifty-three (53) stakeholders representing federal and state government agencies, industry representatives, organized labor, technical experts and key private sector organizations. Research and interviews were held prior to the meeting to identify key areas of concern, develop background on key asbestos issues, and identify other stakeholders and experts to invite. Additional interviews and meetings were held subsequent to the focus group meeting with key technical and policy experts to further clarify issues and gather opinions. GETF emphasized that the goal of the meeting and interviews was to understand views and identify priorities today, not to reach consensus on all issues. A more detailed description of the process with a complete listing of invited and participating stakeholder groups is contained in Appendix A.